Andreas Berlin

(Germany, 1965)

There are many ways to sit, finds Andreas Berlin. In his B flat design the emphasis is on an informal manner of use. ‘I wanted to design
a sofa where you can also sit on the back. So it had to be really flat,
but also adjustable. The round shape is a logical consequence of
that, which I then elaborated on.’.

The original design was fitted with gas springs, but did not seem
practical enough because it needed two hands to operate it. In addition, the strap needed did not satisfy the aesthetic requirements and you could only sit in B flat in the traditional postures. ‘A rack
and pinion mechanism has now been installed,’ says Berlin. ‘With
it you can adjust the back with one hand and practically seamlessly,
which supports any sitting position.’

The extended programme that B flat now offers, still a few more
elements, was already thought out by Berlin. ‘I always consider a
large number of possibilities before I offer a design to Leolux’, says
the designer. ‘Together, we then look at which options can best be
developed further.’ 

Berlin is convinced of the timelessness of his design, ‘The original
idea stems from 2004, so it has already proven itself. The form was
created from the function, so it is not stand-alone. This makes B
flat much more than a fashion shape.’ Light colours have a clear
preference in its look. ‘The advantage of a white finish is that the
sofa adopts the colours from the environment. By doing so, the
sofa is less dominant in its presence.’